gastaldo

noun

gas·​tal·​do

gəˈstäl(ˌ)dō

plural gastaldi

-(ˌ)dē

1

: the representative of a king on his domains in medieval Italy especially among the Lombards

2

: a steward in a nobleman's household

Word History

Etymology

Italian castaldo, gastaldo, from Medieval Latin castaldus, gastaldus, from a Lombard word akin to Old English gesteald abode, from ge- (perfective & collective prefix) + -steald (akin to Old English stealdan to possess); akin to Old High German hagustalt day laborer, bachelor, Gothic gastaldan to acquire, possess, Old English steall place, position, stall

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now